Mozilla, Google renew partnership until 2023

As per the partnership, Google will remain the default search engine on the Firefox browser.

Mozilla CEO wrote in a blog that Mozilla will initially focus on products like Pocket, its VPN service, VR chatroom Hubs and new security and privacy tools. (Mozilla)

Mozilla and Google have renewed their partnership to keep Google as the default search engine on the Firefox browser. The partnership has been extended until 2023.

According to a Zdnet report, Google and Mozilla have not formally announced the deal which is estimated to between $400 and $500 million per year. A formal announcement is expected to be made later this fall.

“Mozilla's search partnership with Google is ongoing, with Google as the default search provider in the Firefox browser in many places around the world, Mozilla spokesperson Justin O'Kelly said in an email to The Verge. “We've recently extended the partnership, and the relationship isn't changing.”

The latest report comes shortly after Mozilla announced plans to lay off 250 employees. The internet company also confirmed plans a shift in strategy to focus on making money. Mozilla had laid off 70 employees in January this year citing the slow roll-out of new revenue products as one of the reasons.

Zdnet in its report said that Mozilla was financially sound and that the layoffs were part of the above-mentioned shift in strategy. The roadmap includes building new revenue streams from subscription-based applications. Interestingly, Mozilla is also said to be looking to reduce dependence on Google.